This brand copies popular luxury fragrances – and makes no secret of it
24.9.2024
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Not about to spend a small fortune on great perfumes? Me neither. Australian brand Perfume Oil Expressions focuses exclusively on dupes. But are they as nice as the originals?
We’re living in the age of dupes (article in German). These imitations of expensive originals are in high demand with cosmetics and fragrance fans. After all, not everyone can or wants to spend a fortune on make-up and other beauty products. But going entirely without isn’t an option for most people either. That’s why cheaper alternatives are needed. This much, the market has understood. It’s a development that’s particularly noticeable in drugstores. Brands such as Essence have been drawing inspiration from the high-priced competition for a while now. Especially in the beauty sector, where brand names are rarely flaunted like a handbag, affordable products that are as good as their more expensive equivalents make so much sense.
Source: Natalie Hemengül
One brand that’s definitely riding the dupe bandwagon is Perfume Oil Expressions. The Australian brand’s vegan fragrances are inspired by popular luxury perfumes. And this isn’t something they’re hiding either. Each fragrance has a description that reads, «inspired by XY». Such clear communication is pretty unusual for a brand. But definitely a clever move in terms of SEO. Unfortunately, the founder wasn’t available for an interview. I have questions. For example, doesn’t this cause quite a bit of beef with the manufacturers of the luxury fragrances? I guess I won’t be getting any answers for now. But what I do have is three fragrances to test and compare with the originals.
The test fragrances
I don’t have all the original fragrances at home, so I order a few samples for comparison. For the next few days, I apply them to one wrist, the dupes to the other. While the luxury perfumes are alcohol-based, the fragrances from Perfume Oil Expressions are all oil-based. They come in a simple, uniform 10-millilitre glass bottle with a roll-on applicator.
Brilliance, inspired by Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
This is one smells exactly like Baccarat Rouge 540! That’s what I thought the first time I applied Brilliance, the dupe for Maison Francis Kurkdjian's bestseller. Today, I’m not so sure any more. Sure, I can smell the similarity, but there’s a clear difference I can’t quite make out. It feels heavier, warmer, while the spray perfume has a lightness to it. Has the scent in the roll-on fragrance changed? Perhaps through skin contact? It’s definitely possible. I’d say the original is nicer in this comparison.
Top notes: jasmine, saffron
Heart notes: Egyptian jasmine, ambroxan
Base notes: cedarwood, ambergris, bitter almond, musky-wood
Source: Natalie Hemengül
Mango Touch, inspired by Mango Skin by Vilhelm Parfumerie
It’s amazing how similar Mango Touch is to the fruity Mango Skin by Vilhelm Parfumerie. I can’t tell the two apart for the life of me. However, my nose isn’t the most sensitive either. Still, it’s worth giving the copy a chance before splashing out on the original.
Top notes: blackcurrant, pear, mango, bergamot
Heart notes: cassis, rhubarb, lily, peach
Base notes: vanilla, caramel, patchouli, musk
Source: Natalie Hemengül
Sweet Silence, inspired by Hundred Silent Ways by Nishane
Close enough, but significantly different at the same time. I actually prefer the Perfume Oil Expressions’ interpretation of the fragrance. Something about it is softer, gentler than Nishane’s creation. Having said that, it’s a fragrance that’s not my cup of tea at all.
Top notes: apple, orange, coconut, green
Heart notes: jasmine, geranium, lily
Base notes: wood, caramel, vanilla, amber, musk
Verdict
Some of these dupes come very close to the originals. They even last longer on my skin than the expensive alcohol-based fragrances thanks to the oil. As far as projection goes, the originals are in the lead. It’s precisely because of this oil base that the fragrance stays closer to your body.
The packaging is handy for on-the-go use, I find. Especially if you want to re-apply your perfume discreetly in public without taking bystanders’ breath away. The downside? I like to spray my perfume on my clothes or in my hair. Of course, that’s not possible with these dupes. In addition, the roll-on is used directly on your skin, causing dust and skin flakes to collect in the bottle over time. Not only does this look unappetising, it can also affect its shelf life.
Header image: Natalie Hemengül
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
Beauty
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